ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

I'd been a sideman for years and performed with lots of great musicians, but never put together a CD until this one. I conceived of this album as a suite of tunes that would be simple and melodic, yet sophisticated and really fun to improvise on. I had the exact ensemble in mind from the beginning, and really wanted to feature Peter Sprague, a brilliant guitarist who's played with everyone from Chick Corea to Sergio Mendes (see www.PeterSprague.com) I think that Peter's playing on this CD is just incredible, and I hope you will too.

It's a joy to listen to this album and every time I do I hear something new. J.O. is a masterful composer with great imagination and style. He and Peter are our San Diego hometown boys and we're very proud of it. My only regret is that there's only one album to choose from...(so far). Check back soon, I think he's due, let's hope so.

The songs are very sophistocated and original. I especially like Cuba Libre where he throws in the giant steps changes. John's improvization is lyrical yet sophistocated and modern. Peter and David shine on this recording, but it sounds like Duncan took more of a backseat roll. This is not just a great CD, but an exceptional one.

The compositions are inventive and avoid cliche, and the arrangements are spare and lively; the musicianship is first rate, and John's goal of providing sweeping background textures over which to improvise is beautifully realized. A real gem of a recording.